Juvenile Defense Lawyer Laclede County, MO
Juvenile defense lawyer in Laclede County, MO. Facing legal hurdles and difficulties as a juvenile can be a daunting, overwhelming experience both for you and your family. If you are facing charges, regardless of the severity, having a skilled, knowledgeable, and compassionate Laclede County, MO juvenile defense lawyer quickly becomes of the utmost importance.
The legal professionals at Combs Waterkotte specialize in representing minors involved in criminal or delinquency proceedings in Laclede County and throughout Missouri. Our legal team plays a crucial role in making sure that our young clients in Laclede County, MO and their families receive equitable treatment and the best opportunities for rehabilitation. We realize that good people find themselves in challenging situations, and we are dedicated to doing everything within our power to provide assistance.
Call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-strings-attached consultation. Our Laclede County, MO attorneys are committed to providing expert legal advice and determining the most appropriate course of action for your situation.
Why You Need a Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Laclede County, MO
In Missouri, the Juvenile Division of the Circuit Court exclusively handles juvenile crimes, along with cases of abuse, neglect, adoptions, and more. This is extremely beneficial to you because of the fact that when a minor is accused of a crime in Laclede County or anywhere else in Missouri the Juvenile Division provides rehabilitative measures rather than punishment. However, navigating the juvenile court system requires the expertise of an experienced Laclede County, MO defense attorney familiar with its intricacies.
The Combs Waterkotte Laclede County, MO juvenile defense lawyer team has an abundance of experience in defending young clients. We collaborate with the court to secure the most favorable outcome for you and provide crucial elements like character statements and mitigating factors for the judge to consider. Give us a call today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Who is a Juvenile or an Adult Under Missouri Law?
In accordance with the juvenile code, an adult is defined as an individual aged 18 years or older, whereas a child refers to anyone under the age of 18. It’s crucial to note that age distinctions may vary for different circumstances under the laws of, including:
- For driving purposes, there is a range between 15 ½ and 18 depending on the type of driver’s license.
- To possess or consume alcoholic beverages, an individual must be 21 years of age.
- An individual must be 18 to buy a long gun, or 21 for a handgun.
What Are Some Possible Outcomes of a Juvenile Accused of a Crime in Laclede County or Elsewhere Throughout Missouri?
The potential resolutions for a juvenile facing criminal accusations depend on factors such as the gravity of the offense, the juvenile’s prior legal history, and the specific details of the case. These possible outcomes underscore the importance of having a dedicated Laclede County, MO juvenile defense lawyer by your side, tirelessly advocating for your rights and future.
Do not leave it to chance in Laclede County, MO; call the attorneys at Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online. Here are some of the potential scenarios:
Diversion Programs
Juveniles may be eligible for diversion programs, which are alternative measures designed to divert them away from formal court proceedings. These programs often include counseling, community service in Laclede County, MO, or educational components.
Probation
Probation stands as a common resolution for juvenile offenders in Laclede County and across Missouri. It typically involves routine check-ins with a probation officer, compliance with specified conditions, and participation in rehabilitation programs. Our experienced Laclede County, MO legal team excels in advocating for reasonable probation terms and offering invaluable support and guidance throughout the probationary period.
Restitution
Some Laclede County, MO cases may involve juvenile offenders being obligated to provide restitution to the victim, either via financial payments or community service.
Juvenile Detention
In cases of severe or repeated offenses, the court may mandate juvenile detention or placement outside of the home in the Laclede County, MO area. This frequently occurs when rehabilitation within the community is deemed unfeasible.
Record Expungement
Some juvenile records may be expunged or sealed upon reaching a specific age, successfully finishing required programs, or maintaining a clean record for a specified duration. However, some offenses may persist on the record even after reaching adulthood. It is vital to consult with a Combs Waterkotte juvenile defense lawyer in Laclede County, MO to understand the jurisdiction-specific guidelines. Our staff is available 24/7. Call us right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
It is important to recognize that the Laclede County and Missouri juvenile justice systems are designed to focus on the best interests of the juvenile, emphasizing rehabilitation and treatment. The final resolution will be contingent upon the unique circumstances of each case and the discretion of the court.
What Are the Different Types of Juvenile Crimes in Laclede County and Throughout Missouri?
Juvenile offenses in Laclede County, MO encompass a spectrum of activities that vary in severity, ranging from nonviolent to violent offenses. Common types of juvenile crimes in Laclede County and throughout Missouri include:
- Truancy: According to Revised Statutes of Missouri § 167.031, also known as the Compulsory Attendance Law, parents are obligated to make sure their child is enrolled in and regularly attends school. Homeschooling is an option, but parents must prove the child is getting 1000 hours of instruction.
- Curfew Violations: Being in public during hours when a minor is required to be at home. These hours can vary by jurisdiction, highlighting the importance of having an experienced juvenile defense lawyer on your side.
- Shoplifting and Theft/Burglary: Thankfully, the Missouri courts recognize that children may not have the same decision-making abilities as adults. Property crimes, such as shoplifting and theft, are handled by the Juvenile Division, which tends to course-correct juveniles who steal by releasing them to their parents or possibly in more serious cases ordering restitution, probation, a diversionary program, counseling, or even detention or home confinement.
- Vandalism: Cases of juvenile vandalism are also heard by the Juvenile Division. This charge must be proven to have been purposeful and, similar to shoplifting, there are a variety of penalties, including restitution and fines, probation, or even detention in serious cases.
- Trespassing: In most cases, juvenile trespassing is done with far different intentions than adult trespassing. Fortunately, the courts apply different penalties for juveniles – including probation, diversion programs, fines, or, in the most serious cases, detention.
- Traffic Violations: Juvenile traffic violations are unique in that, as explained above, a juvenile becomes an adult for driving purposes at 15 ½. The Juvenile Division cannot take any cases over that age, but if the traffic violation is severe enough to warrant jail time a juvenile DWI charge for example, the traffic court judge may request the juvenile court to supersede.
- Assault: Due to recent law changes, a juvenile may now be charged with simple assault for causing injury to another individual or making serious threats. Classified as assault in the fourth degree under RSMo. § 565.056, this offense is categorized as a misdemeanor, potentially leading to consequences like jail time, community service, restitution, probation, counseling, or fines.
- Arson: Penalties for juvenile arson cases can vary widely based on the specific circumstances. In less severe instances, juveniles could be required to fulfill restitution or perform community service and undergo counseling, but it can certainly become a major charge.
- Gun Possession: Unfortunately, cases of juveniles facing charges for unlawful possession of a firearm are not uncommon. Potential penalties for this offense range from fines to more severe consequences like detention or even incarcertation.
Our experienced legal team ensures that the residents of Laclede County, MO receive the best possible legal presentation in any situation. In addition to juvenile defense in Laclede County, MO, our lawyers are experienced in several forms of law, including:
Who Decides if a Juvenile Can Be Tried as an Adult in Laclede County, MO?
If you are facing serious charges as a juvenile, it is important to consult with a defense attorney in Laclede County, MO promptly. The legal team at Combs Waterkotte offers free consultations, accessible through (314) 900-HELP or via our online contact form.
According to RSMo. § 211.071, a juvenile court judge determines whether you will be tried as an adult based on the charges, your record, and after a hearing. Factors considered by the judge include the gravity of the charges, whether the community needs to be protected from you, the presence of force or violence in the crime, harm inflicted on others, your history of of breaking the law, and your age.
If you are tried as an adult, our Laclede County criminal defense attorneys will vigorously work to establish your innocence. Yet, if you are found guilty, there are a variety of things that could occur. You could be placed on probation and given a second chance. You may spend some time in a detention facility and then later be sent to an adult prison. Or, in the worst-case situation, you may be immediately sent to an adult prison.
Connect With a Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Laclede County, MO Right Away at Combs Waterkotte
Finding the right juvenile defense lawyer is paramount to securing a fair and just resolution for minors entangled in the Laclede County or Missouri legal system. With knowledgeable legal representation, juveniles in Laclede County, MO can have a fighting chance at rehabilitation and a promising future.
We understand the pressures and challenges faced by today’s youth, and we use this knowledge for your benefit. Combs Waterkotte fights for our clients, regardless of the severity of their charges. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us for a free, commitment-free case review.
